Overview & Reviews

The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a midsize SUV that harks back to the company's iconic FJ40 Series of Land Cruisers. Like the old FJ40, the Toyota FJ Cruiser has superior off-road capabilities. It's built on a truck-based, ladder-frame chassis and features a stout suspension and drivetrain, sharing its underlying hardware with Toyota's 4Runner SUV. Toyota designed the FJ Cruiser to be a bit more specialized, however. Compared to the 4Runner, it's smaller, less expensive and more capable in off-road situations, and it's meant to appeal to younger and more active consumers.

Most Recent Toyota FJ Cruiser
The Toyota FJ Cruiser was produced from 2007 through 2014, with only relatively minor changes made throughout that eight-year run. A midsize SUV, the FJ Cruiser focused on off-road performance and thus in personality and in some cases styling (such as the grille and headlights), paid homage to the original FJ40 of the 1960s. The FJ Cruiser featured two standard front doors supplemented with a pair of smaller, reverse-opening rear doors to provide easier access to the rear seat.

The sole engine used was a 4.0-liter V6. Output depended on the year, as the first three years it was rated at 239 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque while for 2010 and later the specs stood at 260 hp and 270 lb-ft. Rear-wheel drive was standard and two different 4WD systems were available. One was a part-time system, while the other was a full-time system. All FJ Cruisers except those with the full-time 4WD came with a five-speed automatic; those with the full-time 4WD had a six-speed manual along with a locking rear differential.

There was just one trim level with the FJ Cruiser. Standard feature highlights included 17-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, power windows and locks, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, water-resistant cloth upholstery, Bluetooth phone and audio, a CD player, satellite radio and auxiliary/iPod/USB inputs. Options (which sometimes depended on region and model year) included alloy wheels, a rear wiper, a rearview camera, an electronic locking rear differential, rear parking sensors and extra gauges. Several off-road-oriented features (such as heavy-duty suspension components, tires, roof racks, driving lights, rock rails and cargo covers) were also available, as were similarly themed packages that usually included specific styling details.

Changes throughout the years were essentially limited to features availability. First year FJs offered optional side and side curtain airbags, but they were made standard for 2008, while the following year saw the debut of the rearview camera option, which we highly recommend. For 2011, the FJ Cruiser received an upgraded audio system and better access to the rear seat (which also gained folding headrests). Three years later, Toyota celebrated the FJ's last year with the limited-production (only 2,500 built) Trail Teams Ultimate Edition package.

With such serious four-wheel-drive systems available, a major draw for shoppers will be the vehicle's off-road abilities. The Toyota FJ Cruiser was designed to have considerable wheel travel, high ground clearance and a tough, fully boxed frame. The front suspension is independent with a double-wishbone design, while the rear features a solid rear axle with a four-link coil-spring suspension.

In reviews, the Toyota FJ Cruiser earned positive commentary for its impressive off-road ability, surprisingly fun on-road driving experience, comfortable front seats and distinctive exterior styling. FJ Cruiser drawbacks included limited outward visibility and a rear seat area that wasn't particularly comfortable or easy to access even with the reverse-opening rear doors.

User Reviews:

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  Wow...... - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Tom - July 16 - 6:00 pm

  Some may call it a mid-life crisis, but I call it fun. The 2008 FJ Cruiser is a break from the norm, a good one, and has to be one of the most fun vehicles on the market today. The inside reminds me of an early 70s Chevy Blazer: cool. The driving position is excellent, and the seats are comfortable. One cant help but feel safe with all the standard air bags, stability controls, and just the sheer size of everything. The FJ says cool simplicity vs. sophisticated. Fuel economy is not great, but is better than many SUVs. While not for everyone, the FJ is easily the best car I have ever owned. Do you get up in the morning excited to get in your ride? Not to rub it in, but I do.

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  Could be better - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Bill from Orlando - July 12 - 12:16 pm

  I bought my FJ because it was different than all the other SUVs out there. First the bad: cant open front & rear door if you are parked too close to another car to get access to rear. When using a fast gas pump, wont handle the volume and keeps shutting off pump, must pump slowly. Front passenger mirror too small and no light. Dumb design to have to take headrests off rear seats to fold them down. Rear "portholes" too small for rear passengers. No console with cover. Premium gas required. Now the good: It attracts attention for unusual design. White roof keeps interior much cooler (I live in Florida). Great sound system. Comfortable front seats. Easy to read and operate controls.

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  It rocks my socks off. - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By back40 - July 10 - 2:03 am

  I love it. Man this this is fun to drive, look at and mod. This is the best vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Best of its class - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By tntraveler4wd - June 27 - 7:13 pm

  The FJ does it all. Ive owned a lot of domestic and foreign SUVs including Land Rover and the FJ is the best all round. After 25,000 miles, no problems. Comfortable on long trips. Complaints Ive read are too analytical. This is not an Aston Martin folks!

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  Luv my FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By TROY BOND - June 21 - 11:46 am

  Ive put over 86,000 miles on my FJ in 2.5 years and not had any problems. It has gone 4 wheeling in various terrain and performed well. Couldnt be happier

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  Not your average SUV - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By DIKKINS - June 14 - 1:46 pm

  The FJ cruiser is like buying a prom dress, It has a specific purpose and no other vehicle does it as well. I have driven this vehicle 6000 miles in 3 months, 2/3 on the highway and 1/3 off road. It has no real equal off road, and is very good on the road. I have no qualms about about driving just about anywhere. It goes through heavy snow, fields, mud and on superhighways with ease. I purchase a more aggressive tire than the standard ones it came with and would advise this if youre going off road or in snow. This vehicle is solid, and seems more like a truck than the average SUV. The joy of this vehicle is that it will take you easily where others will not go and do it with ease.

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  Short comings - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By ozzyj - June 12 - 1:07 pm

  I have a 2007 FJ 4x4 with all the bells-and whistles; although I have had no mechanical difficulties, I have to say that it is not without its problems. Its paint chips if the wind blows, itÂ’s all over the road with wind over 25 mph, has dangerous blind spots, too wide for most off road situations, weak tie rods, front windows break easily due to shape/angel e, frames on some are weak and buckle, some have weak rear differential, terrible transmission, poorly designed for water usage for a 4x4, (short rods in motor so if you make a mistake in the water you will have to replace the motor), poor gas mileage, engine wines over 40 mph, even with change of tires itÂ’s squarely on slick surfaces (

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  FJinDFW - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By tejun - June 7 - 3:53 pm

  I love my FJ. I put a 2" level kit on the front and upgraded to 295/70/17 AT tires. Averaging about 19.5 mpg which I consider good for a 4x4 SUV.

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  Buying Another Brand New FJ This Week - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By zackal - May 31 - 1:13 am

  Living in The Great White North the FJ is an absolute treat in the winter months. Purchased the base model with full time 4wd and 6 speed manual. I have never been stranded or stuck anywhere (common sense it important when playing in any off roader.) On the highway you feel safe as a tank and lots of power to pull out and pass if you know how to properly match the tranny to speeds. Ive had 4 Jeep TJs (Wranglers in the USA) and still have one for my kids. The FJ is their favorite to drive over the Jeep except on top down days. I am just about to pick up another FJ, the exact same model, Yellow, base 6 speed. For the money, probably the best value on the road.

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  Big blue suv for countryside driving - 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Jim could - May 15 - 8:36 pm

  Excellent for my driving needs